OHIO — The summer season is about to begin and that means a lot of swimming in pools, lakes and rivers.
While it can be fun, one of the dangers can be the water itself.
In 2019, Ohio was the fourth-deadliest state for children ages 0 to 15 drowning in pools, according to the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission. Data from the USA Swimming Federation shows in 2019, there were more than 220 drownings across the nation.
“Drowning is the No. 1 cause of death in children ages 1 to 4. Mostly it can be prevented by having a desginated water safety person,” said Bill Wadley, the former head coach of the Ohio State men’s swimming team and the founder of Swim For Life Ohio.
That person monitors the children at all times, and Wadley suggests no alcohol or other distractions in order to keep children safe.
“We need to make sure children must laways swim with a buddy,” Wadley suggested. A child can be an excellent swimmer but having someone with them can help. Wadley also suggests swimming lessons for children so they know proper water safety and know how to get themselves out of an emergency situation.
For example, teaching them how to float on their back and call for help is one way children can alert those around them, Wadley said.
For more tips, watch the full interview above.
